As students make their way to Bloomington for a new school year, we're taking a look at what newcomers to the area need to know. In the third part of our web series, we're getting new Bloomington residents up to date on recent business changes in town.
Moving to a new town means figuring out where to grocery shop, where to eat and where all the local hotspots are.
And like you, there a few places in town that are new.
Lucky's Market, which opened in late May on the south side of Bloomington, brought another grocery option focused on local and organic foods. Lucky's, in addition to Kroger's remodeled stores, has been a source of direct competition for local co-op Bloomingfoods, which announced several changes in June.
Soon to be open on the city square is King Dough, a wood-fired pizza joint whose food truck has been making its way around Bloomington for a while.
Also soon to open downtown is a new CVS Pharmacy on Kirkwood Avenue, which puts a drug store within just a few blocks of campus.
With openings, however, come closures.
Earlier this summer, Sweet Claire Gourmet Bakery closed its Third Street location so its owner could have what she called more "me time."
But worry not, lovers of sweet rolls and breads. You can still find Sweet Claire at the Bloomington Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Get there early, since the stand has been known to sell out.
Earlier this year, Oliver Winery's downtown location closed so the winery could instead focus on expanding its offerings at its main location on State Road 37.
In addition, the square's only Mexican restaurant, El Norteno, closed, meaning Bloomington residents will have to head further out for Mexican fare.
And if you're holding out hope for a Whole Foods in Bloomington, you could be in luck.
The Bloomington Plan Commission in April approved an expansion to College Mall that would house a Whole Foods grocery store and an Ulta makeup store.
There's no word on when that expansion might take place.